Oskar Blues Ten Fidy Imperial Stout

Michael: Cross-eyed. Cyclopean. Cancupiscent. Or so says Ten Fidy. Brewed and proudly canned by the Oskar Blues Brewery, this imperial stout is so named for the 10.5% alcohol that slips through its oil-like body and smoothly down your throat.

It poured deep, dark, oily. A beauty of a head was solid, brown and enticing. It made my mouth water, imagining that it tasted as good as it looked. The scent was as thick as the pour. Roasted notes were present and while not necessarily a caramel scent, there was a caramel quality about it, like a syrup, sweet and almost intoxicating. And yet, of course, I must sip. The texture of the pour and nose followed through in spades on the tongue. It was coating as can be, I practically chewed it before I swallowed. The roastiness was present, a burnt quality as well that lingered on and on. There was a slight burning sensation, although less alcoholic than the carbonation that was at work. The ‘ten fidy’ was hid all-to-well, I hardly tasted the alcohol in this big brew.

Tom: A Russian Imperial Stout from a can! You’ve got to be kidding me? No, but seriously. This is a beast of a beer and should not be taken lightly. The first thought that crossed my mind was, “This would be a perfect beer to take camping. It is easy to pack and could be enjoyed late at night around a fire with a cigar in hand.”

The first time I had Ten Fidy I drank it out of the can, but this time I gave it a proper presentation in a snifter. Oh my! I could smell the chocolate, licorice, burnt grains, coffee, charred wood right away. The head was frothy and looked like hot chocolate. When poured it literally looked like my Honda’s old oil after exceeding the recommended 3000 mile/3 month interval. Thick and viscous. I agree with Michael in that the chewiness that accompanies this beer is evident before you swallow. Super sticky and palate coating it is definitely something to sip on with a cigar or on a cold night. The flavors that stuck out to me the most was licorice, then coffee. For me the beer was a little too astringent hindering me from exploring the other qualities I knew it possessed. A chalky dry finish was bookend by an abv heat and burnt grain aftertaste. Something I would not expect from a can. Grade: B